Several students in Nigeria sat for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English paper under unusual conditions. Videos online show candidates writing the exam at night, using torchlights and mobile devices for illumination.
The English Language paper, scheduled for 9:00 am on Wednesday, May 28, reportedly began hours later at various centres. In some locations, the last session did not begin until evening. Students in Lagos were seen writing as late as 11:45 pm.
The examination, which started on April 24 and will end on June 20, faced serious scheduling disruptions, particularly in southwestern states such as Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun.
Leakage and Poor Security Blamed for Delays
Reports suggest that the English paper was leaked online, prompting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to change it at the last minute. This caused a nationwide delay in its administration.
WAEC has now confirmed that efforts to prevent exam malpractice led to logistical issues. A statement issued on Thursday said that while the exam body was able to protect its materials, it did not anticipate the delays caused.
“While we succeeded in safeguarding the examination materials, this inadvertently affected the timeliness and smooth execution of the process,” said WAEC spokesperson Moyosola Adesina.
WAEC also cited other problems such as logistics, security concerns, and sociocultural complications. It apologized to candidates, schools, and parents, and thanked them for their patience.
“We understand the importance of conducting examinations on schedule, and recognise the impacts delays have on candidates, their schools, and their families,” Adesina added.
WAEC has promised to work with security agencies to prevent a recurrence of the disruption.
Lawmakers Demand Answers from WAEC
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has summoned WAEC over the situation. Committee chairman Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji gave WAEC a 24-hour deadline to appear before lawmakers on Friday, May 30.
WAEC had failed to attend an earlier session scheduled for May 27. The lawmakers said the Council’s absence was unacceptable in light of the public concerns.
“The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities. We’ve received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres across the country,” said Oforji.
He added that the committee’s aim is not to attack WAEC but to demand answers that will calm the public and prevent future issues.
“WAEC has been conducting exams for decades, and we have never experienced this level of disorganization. Something is wrong, and it must be addressed,” Oforji said.
He warned that the House could invoke its constitutional powers if WAEC fails to respond as requested.
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